In the northern Nigerian state of Kano, the Hisbah, or Islamic police, she made headlines for detaining 11 Muslims who were caught eating during daylight hours, violating the Ramadan fast.
Spokesperson Lawal Fagge revealed that among those arrested were ten men found near markets, along with a female groundnut vendor seen snacking on her merchandise. Tips from concerned citizens led to these arrests.
“We apprehended 11 individuals on Tuesday, including a woman selling groundnuts who was caught consuming her goods, after receiving reports from the public,” Fagge explained. He added that most detainees were men spotted in various parts of the city, particularly around busy markets.
However, after promising to adhere to fasting rules and with assurances from their families to monitor them closely, the accused individuals were released without charges.
“We had to involve their relatives or guardians to ensure their compliance,” noted Fagge.
Furthermore, Fagge clarified that non-Muslims are not bound by fasting requirements but cautioned against selling food to fasting Muslims during Ramadan.
“We refrain from arresting non-Muslims as this does not apply to them. However, if they are found cooking food for sale to fasting Muslims, they could be charged,” he emphasized.
During Ramadan, Muslims refrain from eating or drinking from sunrise to sunset. This year, Ramadan spans from March 11 to April 9.
